University Lecturer & Researcher
Dr. Mohammed
Najmalddin Wadi
Dr. phil. in English Linguistics — magna cum laude (1.0)
Cognitive linguist specialising in conceptual metaphor, corpus linguistics, and cross-linguistic studies. Faculty member at the University of Sulaimani and doctoral graduate of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
University of Sulaimani Academic Profile
As featured on the official University of Sulaimani academic directory & card
About Me
Research & Academic Profile
Cognitive Linguistics
Specialised in conceptual metaphor theory and embodied cognition across languages.
Corpus-Based Research
Employing systematic corpus methods to analyse metaphorical language patterns.
Cross-Linguistic Analysis
Comparative studies of English and Sorani Kurdish linguistic structures.
Teaching & Mentorship
Over a decade of university-level teaching and student research supervision.
Research Interests
- Cognitive Linguistics
- Conceptual Metaphor Theory
- Corpus Linguistics
- Contrastive & Cross-linguistic Studies
- English–Kurdish Language Contact
- Language and Gender
- Second Language Acquisition
- EFL Pedagogy
- Cross-cultural Communication
Doctoral Research
PhD Dissertation
Thesis Title
A Cognitive Linguistic Analysis of Body Part Metaphors: A Comparative Study of English and Sorani Kurdish
Supervisor
Prof. Dr. Hans-Jörg Schmid
Chair of English Linguistics, LMU Munich
Institution
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Faculty of Languages and Literatures
Status
Conferred, 2026 — magna cum laude (1.0)
Degree
Dr. phil. (Promotion)
English Linguistics & Medieval English Literature
Co-Supervisor
Prof. Hoshang Farooq Jawad
Professor of Linguistics, College of Basic Education, University of Sulaimani
Abstract
This dissertation investigates the conceptual metaphors of body parts in English and Sorani Kurdish through a cognitive linguistic and corpus-based lens. Grounded in Conceptual Metaphor Theory, it provides a systematic cross-linguistic analysis of embodied meaning-making in two typologically distinct languages, offering new insight into the universality and cultural specificity of metaphorical thought.
Theoretical Contribution
The dissertation proposes Culturally Grounded Embodiment, a new theoretical framework that integrates embodied cognition with culture-specific conceptualization, accounting for both the universal bodily grounding and the culturally variable elaboration of body-part metaphors across languages.
Academic Background
Education
Dr. phil. (Promotion)
English Linguistics & Medieval English Literature
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Admitted by the LMU Doctoral Examination Committee (Prüfungsamt für Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften), November 2022.
- Enrolled as a full-time doctoral student (Matrikelnummer: 12012073).
- Degree awarded magna cum laude (1.0).
- Dissertation published electronically by the LMU University Library.
Master of Arts
English Studies
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Thesis: "Conceptual Metaphors of Food in English and Kurdish: A Contrastive and Corpus-Based Study"
- Grade: 1.7 (Sehr gut)
Certificate in Pedagogical Training
Teacher Professional Development
University of Human Development, Iraq
Bachelor of Arts
English Language and Literature
University of Sulaimani, Iraq
- Graduated first in cohort — ranked 1st out of 99 graduates.
- College of Languages.
Career
Professional Experience
Academic Employment
University Lecturer & Research Assistant
University of Sulaimani, Iraq
Nov. 2013 – Present
Teaching undergraduate courses in English linguistics, language skills, and literature. Supervising student research projects and contributing to departmental research activities. On official study leave since April 2023 to pursue doctoral research at LMU Munich.
Other Experience
Translator and Editor
American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS)
Translator, News Editor and Journalist
Dwarozh Institute for Media and Culture
English Instructor and Trainer
Cambridge Institute, Sulaimaniyah
English Teacher
Shang Basic School, Sulaimaniyah
English Teacher
Margaret Educational Community (MEC), Sulaimaniyah
Scholarly Work
Academic Papers & Coursework
The following papers were submitted in fulfilment of academic course requirements at the University of Sulaimani and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. They have not been independently published.
Wadi, M. (2020). Conceptual Metaphors of Food in English and Kurdish: A Contrastive and Corpus-Based Study. M.A. thesis submitted to the Department of English Studies, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Wadi, M. (2019). Gender Bias in the Kurdish Language Textbooks Taught in Primary Schools in Kurdistan of Iraq. Research paper submitted to the Department of English Studies, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Wadi, M. (2019). Language Standardization and the Emergence of Standard English. Term paper submitted to the Department of English Studies, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Wadi, M. (2018). Inter-language Fossilization and Its Implications for Kurdish EFL Teachers and Learners. Research paper submitted to the Department of English Studies, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Wadi, M. (2013). That-clause Complementation in Verb Phrases. Undergraduate research paper submitted to the Department of English Language and Literature, University of Sulaimani.
Recognition
Honours & Languages
Honours & Awards
DAAD Completion Scholarship
German Academic Exchange Service
2020
Translator of the Year
Dwarozh Institute for Media and Culture
2018
Top Graduate — 1st of 99 Graduates
College of Languages, University of Sulaimani
2013
Languages
Get in Touch
Contact
Mohammed Najmalddin Wadi
I welcome inquiries related to research collaboration, academic opportunities, and professional engagements. Feel free to reach out through any of the channels below.
Doctoral Supervisor
Prof. Dr. Hans-Jörg Schmid
Chair of English Linguistics
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Department of English Studies, Schellingstraße 3, 80799 München, Germany
hans-joerg.schmid@anglistik.uni-muenchen.deCo-Supervisor
Prof. Hoshang Farooq Jawad
Professor of Linguistics
College of Basic Education, University of Sulaimani, KRG
Dissertation
Access the full doctoral dissertation published by the LMU Munich University Library.
View on LMU edoc